We take a look at three local coaches who should be in line for the Proteas job if Ottis Gibson’s contract is not renewed. 

Ashwell Prince 

The Cobras coach has strung together a group of hungry and talented youngsters who competed in all three domestic competition last season. As a batsman for the Proteas, Prince had the natural grit, aggression and never-say-die attitude, which he has carried over into his coaching career. But one quality that makes him stand out as a coach is his ability to groom youngsters and make them believe in their own ability. His young Cobras side is driven by performances from players like Janneman Malan (23), Zubayr Hamza (24), David Bedingham (25) and Kyle Verreynne (22) who have been pivotal in their side’s success. They finished runner’s up in the 4-Day Franchise series and were knocked out of the One Day Cup Semi-final and CSA T20 Challenge. Despite these shortcomings, Prince’s eye for young talent and natural hunger to win makes him the perfect candidate to lead the Proteas’ next generation.

Mark Boucher 

The former Proteas vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman had a winning mentality as a player and carried this over into his career as Titans coach. He won the double – 4-Day Franchise Series and CSA T20 Challenge – in the 2017/18 season and won the One Day Cup in the 2018/19 season. Although the Titans are regarded as a side who are driven by their experienced Proteas players, Boucher has still managed to get the most out of his senior and experienced guys. Having a team of stars is one thing, but inspiring them to play together and perform as a cohesive unit is not as easy as it may seem. Boucher’s vast experience and natural grit could be the necessary kick the Proteas need to revitalise their mentality and approach.

Enoch Nkwe 

The Lions coach may not have the wealth of playing experience as the two mentioned before him, but in his first year as coach of the Gauteng-based side, he managed to win both the 4-Day Franchise Series and the CSA T20 Challenge. He also managed to win the Mzansi Super League with the Jozi Stars. His philosophy was built upon an attacking brand of cricket, similarly to the strategy that the Proteas spoke about implementing leading up to the World Cup. Nkwe, however, managed to get his players to implement this style of play successfully. Players like Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton managed to play their natural free-flowing game under him. He also managed to inspire the young players in the side, like Wihan Lubbe, Wiaan Mulder and Bjorn Fortuin, which is a necessity for the Proteas as they look to rebuild leading up to the 2023 World Cup.

Photo: Cape Cobras/Website